Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
How to restore sulphur and soil nutrients this autumn
Strategic applications of soil sulphur and other key nutrients this autumn will give winter crops a vital boost ahead of spring growth. With soil still recovering from an extremely wet season, adequate nutrition for establishment will be essential if crops are to deliver their full potential next year, says... Read more
Check ‘over-wintered’ wheat seed before autumn drilling
Growers using winter wheat seed more than a year old are advised to check its condition before drilling to ensure plant populations do not disappoint. That’s the advice of Certis Belchim’s seed expert Adam Nears, who says there is likely to be a reasonable quantity of seed carried over... Read more
Premiums needed for changing milk market
Dairy fortunes are showing signs of recovery – but milk prices still have some way to go to cover production costs on many farms. Values have steadily risen over the past year following a sharp drop to 36.49ppl in July 2023. But they frequently fail to provide a fair... Read more
Simple changes boost profits for 2600-cow farm
Reducing on-farm emissions by making simple changes is helping to increase profits on one of the UK’s biggest dairy units. That was the message delivered by Grosvenor Farms dairy manager David Craven to 1300 visitors at last month’s Down to Earth event in Cheshire. The 2,600-cow herd is housed... Read more
How better hygiene can improve productivity
Poultry and pig producers are being advised to review hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of pathogenic infections affecting performance. Better hygiene and disinfection procedures are seen as a key way to maximise biosecurity and reduce productivity losses – including those resulting from sub-clinical health issues. “Monogastric units remain... Read more
Piglets ‘can thrive’ without zinc oxide
Pigs can still thrive despite the removal of potentially harmful zinc oxide from their diets, says an industry specialist. Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. But concern over the potential risk to the environment saw the therapeutic use... Read more
Keep watchful eye on Salmonella risk
Egg producers and pullet rearers are being asked to remain vigilant against the threat of salmonella in British layers. The layer industry has been working to prevent the disease, but Elanco layer business manager Jeremy Marsh said it still was important for the industry to keep a watchful eye... Read more
Protect our borders, minister urged
Pig industry leaders have urged the government to stop illegal meat imports and animal disease from entering the UK. The National Pig Association national biosecurity and better border controls should be a top priority amid fears that a major disease outbreak could devastate Britain’s outdoor herds and indoor units.... Read more
How healthy animals can help combat climate crisis
Healthier livestock are more productive and can help mitigate climate change, suggests a study. Improving animal health may reduce greenhouse gas emissions without the need to switch to a meat-free diet or cut food production – helping to boost farm livelihoods and enhance animal welfare. The finding – by... Read more
Thriving future is goal for forward-looking family
A family-run Suffolk estate is moving to a fully regenerative zero-tillage farming system – after experimenting with different cropping methods. Many farms tackle generational change with trepidation, but the McVeigh family has used it to transform the Kenton Hall Estate into the hub for a diversified and integrated network... Read more